Polling predicts 67 per cent voter turnout, suggesting that political engagement remains high following the referendum
A week from polling, new data suggests that SNP support has slipped, though they remain well ahead of all parties in Scotland.
According to polling by TNS-BMRB published today, voting intentions for the elections to Holyrood among those who expressed preference and are certain vote are as follows (with changes since last month in brackets):
Constituency: SNP 52 per cent (-4), Lab 22 per cent (+3), Con 17 per cent (+2) LD 7 per cent (+1)
Region: SNP 45 per cent (-2), Lab 22 per cent (+1), Con 18 per cent (+3), LD 5 per cent (-1), Green 8 per cent (0)
According to the Scotland Votes website, such results would see the Scottish Parliament look as follows (changes since the 2011 elections)
SNP 70 seats (+1)
Labour 27 seats (-10)
Conservatives 21 seats (+6)
Lib Dems 3 seats (-2)
Greens 8 seats (+6)
The poll found also that for a third month in a row, 67 per cent of respondents said that they were certain to vote next week.
Commenting on the findings, Tom Costley, Head of TNS Scotland said:
“If a turnout of this level is seen on 5 May it will be significantly higher than the 50 per cent turnout in 2011, and a further indication of greater engagement with politics in Scotland following the referendum.
“As the various parties are building up to the final week of campaigning, have some of the criticisms of the SNP’s performance as the Scottish Government had an impact on the electorate? Or is the downturn in the SNP vote in both the constituency and regional list a reaction to the concerns being expressed by some commentators of the dangers of one party being so dominant within Holyrood?”
Despite the decline, a 52 per cent share of the constituency vote would represent a significant improvement for the SNP, who won 45 per cent in 2011.
It’s also significant that this poll contradicts previous polls, which suggested that the Conservatives could overtake Labour to become the official party of opposition.
TNS-BMRB also asked how respondents were likely to vote in the EU Referendum. It found that 48 per cent back staying in the EU compared to 21 per cent who wanted to leave and 31 per cent who did not know how they would vote.
Ed Jacobs is a contributing editor at Left Foot Forward
To reach hundreds of thousands of new readers and to make the biggest impact we can in the next general election, we need to grow our donor base substantially.
That's why in 2024, we are seeking to generate 150 additional regular donors to support Left Foot Forward's work.
We still need another 124 people to donate to hit the target. You can help. Donate today.
One Response to “SNP retain Scottish dominance as Tories and Labour clamour for second place”
Keith Farrell
Interesting read, although I think the Tories both red and blue will see even lower numbers. The greens will improve, UKIP will die.
I believe the both votes SNP will work. If everyone who voted yes and those who had voted no but changed their minds. Votes SNP twice. What greater message can we send to WM.
Labour and the Conservitives are both saying its against the law to give both your votes to one party. There will be a few stupid people who believe that.
There are even some silly people that will split their votes between the SNP and greens. Yes I say silly. Sure the greens are standing with the SNP on an independant Scotland. But is it worth the risk? What happens if the SNP needs one more vote to secure majority and that one vote was lost because you split your vote. You chose to let Scotland down.
For me, it’s both votes SNP, we have ample time to get a more balanced Scottish Parliament once we are firmly on the road to independence.
Think of how WM will be shitting themselves if we have the same sort of returns as we did in the general. It is possible. Forget all the number crunching scare stories. The pols prodict a 67% turn out. Now if the 45% yes voters voted SNP in both votes. Then we add those that changed their minds. Those that realised, WM lied to us and then rubbed it in. Maybe another 10%. That brings us up to 55% of the voting population. That leaves 12% to the unionist parties.
Those who do not vote have no right to complain.
The representivtive portion of the vote, could be the deciding side. Don’t waste the chance. Both votes SNP